Give it all to Justin Verlander

OK Tiger fans, here is my question to you: do you think that a pitcher should be considered for the Most Valuable Player award?

Should a guy, who plays 40 games in a 162-game season, get recognition for the MVP?

Think about it real close, because until Justin Verlander had this amazing season, I would have told you, “No, that is what the Cy Young Award is for.”

What Verlander has done this season is absolutely remarkable. At this point in the season he has 23 wins, 238 strikeouts, a 0.915 ERA and has pitched four complete games including his no-hitter.

I heard on ESPN Radio that Verlander is the only pitcher in the last 45 years to win 23 games and have a no-hitter in the same season.

So let’s give him everything. Give him the MVP, give him the Cy Young and if the Tigers continue to play the way they are, he will add World Series Champion to that list of accomplishments.

I have always admired Verlander. Ever since he broke onto the scene for the Tigers in 2005 and 2006. He was the hot shot, ace, pitcher who could hit 102 miles per hour on the radar and keep on hurling.

His impact of the 2006 Tigers led them all the way to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. This is the season I have been waiting for from Verlander and although he may never have a season quite as good as this one, we will get to witness him dominate for years to come.

What we are seeing from Verlander is special and extremely rare. Think about where the Tigers would be, even if you just replaced Verlander with CC Sabathia of the Yankees. Sabathia currently has 19 — wins, that’s still four less wins than what Verlander has.

Because of the dominance of Verlander the Tigers have locked up the American League Central and are on their way to the playoffs. Of course he had some help from the rest of the Tigers, but in the games Verlander has pitched, the Tigers have been nearly untouchable.

Why not give the MVP to a guy who is clearly the most valuable person for his team. The last time I checked MVP stands for most valuable player, not most valuable hitter or most valuable everyday player.

Verlander is the MVP — no if, ands or buts about it.

One of my favorite things to do is to watch great athletes or driver play their sport in person. I must say that watching Verlander pitch is one of the most memorable athletes I have ever seen live. He is up there with LeBron James, Dewayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Albert Pujols, Shaquelle O’Neal and Allen Iverson.

Each of these stars has their own unique style. They can awe you, and Verlander is no different.

So Tiger fans rally around your star, because this ride is not quite over yet.